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Features

Our DisplayPort and Mini DisplayPort passive display adapters enable you to connect HDMI, DVI and VGA monitors, TVs, and projectors to your laptop, desktop, or tablet PC with a Dual-Mode (DP++) capable DisplayPort or Mini DisplayPort/Thunderbolt output. Passive adapters (also known as “level-shifters” or “Type 1” adapters) rely on the DisplayPort of the host system to provide the necessary signaling in to support HDMI, DVI or VGA displays.

Six different adapters are available to cover the vast majority of potential combinations (DisplayPort to HDMI, DVI & VGA, and Mini DisplayPort versions of same) providing a low-cost solution to use your existing HDMI, DVI, or VGA displays with your DisplayPort-enabled system. Please see below comparison chart for additional adapter specifications:

DPM-HDMIF & MDPM-HDMIF

DPM-DVIF & MDPM-DVIF

DPM-VGAF & MDPM-VGAF

Converts DP++/Thunderbolt to HDMI

Converts DP++/Thunderbolt to DVI

Converts DP++/Thunderbolt to VGA

Supports up to 3840×2160@30Hz (4K), 2560×1440 and below @60Hz

Supports up to 1920×1200@60Hz

Supports up to 1920×1200@60Hz

Supports video and audio over HDMI

Supports video only over DVI

Supports video only over VGA

Does not convert to dual-link DVI

Compatibility

Plugable’s passive DisplayPort adapters are compatible with graphics cards and systems with a Dual-Mode DisplayPort/Mini DisplayPort (DP++) output and should work well with most compatible host systems regardless of operating system. Please note that the host system will require functional graphics drivers as normal.

Available resolution options will be determined by the specifications and abilities of your computer/graphics adapter and attached display. (I.e; if the graphics adapter in your system is only capable of outputting a maximum of 1080P to an external display, the Plugable active adapters will not allow you to exceed this limitation, regardless of the specifications of the attached monitor.)

Apple Notes: While our mDP adapters work with Apple Thunderbolt ports, the maximum supported resolution will depend on the model of Mac and monitor in use. Please be aware that with an update to OSX Mavericks, Apple disabled 4K video output on the vast majority of Mac models – even models which previously were able to output 4K. Only Macs with “official” 4K support from Apple will be capable of 4K output using the HDMI version of this adapter, while most will be limited to 1080P output.

What’s in the Bag

Plugable Passive DisplayPort Adapter

FAQ

Q: What’s the difference between an active and passive DisplayPort adapter?
A: DisplayPort is a very interesting standard. It has a function known as “Dual-Mode” or “DisplayPort++/DP++” which allows other signal types to be passed through the DisplayPort connector, including TMDS which is the signaling required by HDMI and DVI displays. Passive adapters rely entirely upon the “Dual-Mode” DisplayPort functionality in conjunction with a voltage boost (DisplayPort natively has a 3.3V output, where HDMI requires 5V). When outputting a TMDS (DVI/HDMI) signal through Dual-Mode, most DisplayPort sources as well as the inexpensive passive adapters on the market are limited to a 165MHz clock rate. This limited clock rate generally limits the maximum resolution to 1920×1200 and reduces the maximum available color-depth to preserve the limited bandwidth.

Some mid-range DP -> HDMI adapters such as the Plugable MDPM-HDMIF are capable of operating at up to 300MHz, but ultimately they are still reliant upon the Dual-Mode functionality of the host to transmit the TMDS signal required for HDMI/DVI displays.

Q: How can I tell if the DisplayPort output on my system is Dual-Mode/DP++ compatible?
A: In some cases, the port will have a “DP++” logo next to it designating this functionality. Unfortunately, however this is not universally implemented. When in doubt, check the technical specifications and documentation for your system and/or graphics card.

Q: Are these adapters compatible with the Plugable TBT3-DP2X Thunderbolt 3 Dual DisplayPort Graphics Adapter?
A: No, the DisplayPort outputs on the TBT3-DP2x are not DP++ ports; and as such they do not carry the necessary signaling for passive adapters to work.

Q: Can I use these adapters to add a second or third display to my system?
A: Many graphics cards allow you to use passive adapters for the first two outputs, but require active adapters for displays beyond two. To confirm, check the technical specifications and documentation for your system and/or graphics card.